21 Swimming Pool Games to Play This Summer

Alexandra F. said:  Fill a clear, unmarked 2-liter bottle or water bottle with pool water and close the cap. Have players wait outside the pool with their eyes closed, then throw the bottle into the pool. Once they hear the splash, players can jump in to try and find the bottle, which will blend in with the bottom of the pool.

Alexandra F. said:  This classic pool game has stood the test of time for a reason! You don't need any special props or toys to play, and it works well with 2 or 20 players. The person who is "it" closes her eyes, counts to an agreed upon number while the other players scatter around the pool. Once she's done counting, anytime she calls out "Marco" all the other players need to respond, "Polo." With her eyes closed and using only the sound of their voices, the person who is "it" needs to tap another player to make them "it." No getting out of the pool to avoid getting tapped!!

Alexandra F. said:  Take turns jumping into the pool to see who can make the biggest splash!

Safety tip: Always look before you jump, and be careful not to jump into areas that are too shallow, crowded or otherwise unsafe.

Alexandra F. said:  This toddler-favorite activity adapts well as a swimming pool game. Whoever is "it" stays on one end of the pool while the other players line up on the opposite side. When "it" calls out "green light," players move as quickly as they can across the pool. When he calls out "red light," they have to stop and either stand or doggie paddle in place. Whoever reaches the end of the pool first, wins.

Alexandra F. said:  Like the basketball shooting game "H-O-R-S-E," this swimming pool game is all about trying to copy the actions (and antics!) of another player. If they do an underwater handstand, you do an underwater handstand. If you jump up in doing a cannonball, they jump in doing a cannonball. Anytime a player is unable to copy another player's action, they earn a letter. Whoever gets to "F-I-S-H" first is out.

Pro tip: You may want to designate an impartial judge to determine when a letter is earned!

Alexandra F. said:  Here's an easy pool game - see who can swim to the other end of the pool first, swimming only at the bottom of the pool like a submarine. If you're playing solo, use a timer to keep track of and try to beat your own times.